Shirley A. Erickson, 83, of Scandinavia, Wisconsin, went to her heavenly home on Thursday, March 7, 2024.
She was born on March 10, 1940 to the late Chester and Lois (Beck) Snell. Shirley grew up on her family’s farm, in Poy Sippi, WI; she was the youngest of six children, four sisters and one brother. She graduated from Berlin High School, in 1958.
She met Dennis Erickson, of Scandinavia, WI, while at the Indian Crossing Casino, in Waupaca, WI. December 5th, 1959, Shirley married Dennis. Together, they settled in Scandinavia, WI, where they raised their three sons, Scott, Steven, and Stuart; she always referred to them as “my boys”. Shirley was a devoted wife and mother. While Dennis was on the road, working for Mercury Marine, Shirley invested her time raising her boys, attending every athletic event and activity they were involved in. She enjoyed hosting deer camp annually at ‘the shed’, a tradition that began in 1986.
Shirley looked forward to attending Packer games, taking snowmobile trips, canning, camping, and traveling with Dennis; some of her favorite vacations included, driving out west, a cruise through the Panama Canal, visiting Niagara Falls, Alaska, and Canadian Rockies.
For over 27 years, Shirley was the Office Manager for the Tomorrow Valley Coop, at the Amherst, Manawa, and Scandinavia locations. Shirley was an active member of the Scandinavia Lutheran Church where she belonged to the SLCW and was a Sunday School teacher. She was a member of Iola Lioness and Scandinavia Viking Snowmobile Club. Involved in her community, Shirley was an active volunteer, including events of the Iola Norwegian Supper, Scandinavia Corn Roast, Iola Car Show, and was even a Cub Scout Leader. If there was a blood drive, she always made sure to donate. Shirley was proud to have all three of her sons play for the Scandinavia Vikings and win the BABA Grand Championship in 1989.
An avid reader, Shirley frequented the Scandinavia Public Library, always looking forward to a new book; she enjoyed writing and conversation. Shirley never missed a birthday or special family event. She enjoyed shopping to find the perfect gifts for her family and always underlined the important & special words in her carefully-picked birthday cards. She genuinely cared for others and was kind and courteous. Shirley was always very proud of her children, grandchildren, and all of their accomplishments. She was an I-S Thunderbird fan, having all of her children and grandchildren attend the Iola-Scandinavia School District; her utmost joy was watching her boys and grandchildren participate in sporting events.
Shirley is survived by her husband, Dennis, of 64 years; sisters, June LaSure and Mary Grambsch; three sons, Scott(Jessica Wennesberg), Steven(Tiffany), and Stuart(Lynn); her eight grandchildren, Ashley(Jason Berrens) Johnson, Meghan(Maxwell) Skyles, Brittney(Ryan) Langman, Tyler(Santos) Johnson, Alyssa(Jordan) Mortenson, Kendall(Kim Hallgren) Erickson, Spencer(Peyton) Erickson, and Payton(Chad) Gunderson; her great-grandchildren, Jayson, Brooklyn, Ryker, Devyn, Kade, Rhett, Jaxon, Ashlynn, Mercedes, Archer, Eli, Laiken, Hazel, and Axel. She is also survived by other relatives and many friends.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Chester & Lois Snell; sisters, Frances Doll and Irene Lippert; brother, Maurice Snell.
The family of Shirley would like to extend gratitude to The Willows and Heartland Hospice for the extended care provided during her stay.
The Funeral Service for Shirley will be held on Monday March 11, 2024, 11:00 AM at Scandinavia Lutheran Church with Rev. Kent Wallace officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Sunday March 10, from 2-4 PM and also on Monday from 9:30 AM – 10:45 AM. Interment will be at the Scandinavia Lutheran Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Shirley can be made to the Scandinavia Public Library or Scandinavia Lutheran Church Woman. Voie Funeral Home of Iola is assisting the family with arrangements.